Mother Tongue Languages
Explore Kent Ridge Secondary School's Mother Tongue Language programmes, from academic subjects to enrichment activities that build language skills and cultural appreciation.
Overview
In line with MOE’s direction, we strive to develop all Kent Ridgeans into learned persons in their Mother Tongue Language, culture and values by equipping them with a repertoire of language skills, nurturing in them a love for the language and grounding their learning in values.
Programmes
Academic Programme:
Level | Subjects |
|---|---|
Lower Secondary | - Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL) |
Upper Secondary | - Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL) |
Enrichment Programmes:
Level | Subjects |
|---|---|
Secondary 1 | Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp |
Secondary 2 | Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp |
Secondary 3 | Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp |
Secondary 4 | Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp |
Mother Tongue Language Fortnight (MTLFN):
To create an immersive environment for the learning of MTL, we designate two consecutive weeks each year for MTL Fortnight, during which a wide range of activities related to CL/ML/TL language and culture are conducted for students.
Language and Cultural Camps:
These camps provide an immersive environment for students to deepen their learning and use of MTL, while developing greater appreciation for their respective cultures through hands-on activities such as drama, cultural performances and storytelling.
Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES):
An initiative by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), CPES provides students with opportunities to experience Chinese-language cultural performances by local and overseas arts groups. Through funding and support for schools, the scheme enables students to enjoy the language in an engaging and accessible way, while nurturing their interest in and appreciation for Chinese language and culture.
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Competitions:
Students who demonstrate interest and aptitude are identified and trained to participate in competitions, providing opportunities to deepen and enrich their learning. In 2025, our students emerged as National Champions in the National Secondary School Translation Competition and received Commendation Awards in both the lower and upper secondary categories of the Create Your Own Newspaper Competition. Students also participate in the Fo Guang Shan Pen Calligraphy Competition and the “Xin Kong Xia” Xinyao Singing and Songwriting Competition.
School Publication: 《晨光》学生作品集
《晨光》 is Kent Ridge Secondary School’s inaugural collection of outstanding Chinese essays by students. The publication celebrates their creativity, perseverance and love for the Chinese language and culture. It also recognises the dedication of teachers who guided students in refining their writing and expressing their thoughts with confidence.
Writer-in-Residence Programme 驻校作家计划
Eighteen selected Secondary 2 and 3 Higher Chinese students participated in the one-term Writer-in-Residence Programme organised by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning. Under the guidance of local writer Zou Lu (邹璐), students learnt poetry-writing techniques and expressed their observations and reflections on themselves, youth and everyday life. The programme developed their creative thinking, confidence and ability to express themselves in their Mother Tongue Language.
Conversational Chinese/ Malay (CCM):
CCM is introduced as an enrichment programme for non-Chinese / non-Malay students who are interested in learning Chinese / Malay Language and its culture. Communication through languages enhances social interaction. CCM provides these students with the platform to communicate with their counterparts, and to better understand and appreciate Chinese / Malay cultures and values. It will also help students to enhance their rapport with Chinese- / Malay-speaking friends
MTL Translation Activities:
The school translation programme develops students' bidirectional translation skills between English and their Mother Tongue Language (Chinese or Malay), supporting 21st Century Competencies. Students learn to navigate challenging tasks while mastering appropriate language registers in both formal and casual contexts. Throughout the year, students participate in translation competitions and an Amazing Race at Changi Airport where mixed groups complete translation tasks and solve riddles. Through these engaging activities, students develop effective cross-cultural communication skills in both languages.
Malay Ambassador Programme (Rakan Bahasa):
In collaboration with the Bulan Bahasa Committee, the school selects two Rakan Bahasa (Malay Language Ambassadors) annually to serve as ambassadors for the Malay language. This programme aims to enrich students' love and appreciation for the Malay language while developing their leadership skills. The appointed Rakan Bahasa participate in various language promotion activities throughout the year, helping to foster a vibrant Malay language learning environment within the school community.
